# 1856 Maine gubernatorial election

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The 1856 Maine gubernatorial election was held on 8 September 1856 in order to elect the governor of Maine. Incumbent Democratic governor Samuel Wells lost re-election against Republican nominee and incumbent United States senator from Maine Hannibal Hamlin.

## General election

On election day, 8 September 1856, incumbent Democratic governor Samuel Wells lost re-election by a margin of 25,946 votes against his foremost opponent Republican nominee Hannibal Hamlin, thereby losing Democratic control over the office of governor to the Republicans. Hamlin was sworn in as the 26th governor of Maine on 8 January 1857.

### Results

Maine gubernatorial election, 1856 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Hannibal Hamlin | 69,574 | 58.07 |
| | Democratic | Samuel Wells (incumbent) | 43,628 | 36.41 |
| | Whig | George F. Patten | 6,554 | 5.47 |
| | | Scattering | 58 | 0.05 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 119,814 | 100.00 |
| | Republican gain from Democratic | Republican gain from Democratic | Republican gain from Democratic | Republican gain from Democratic |